Neal to serve as first USI Director of Pathways to College Program

Dr. Brandi Neal has been named the Director of Pathways to College Program, effective Monday, December 5. She will report to Dr. Khalilah Doss, Vice President for Student Affairs.  

Neal will be responsible for the overall planning, coordination and daily operations of the Pathways to College Program with an emphasis on serving diverse populations. The program will have a direct emphasis on recruitment and retention, a key component in the 2021-25 University strategic plan. 

In addition to serving diverse populations and providing equitable and inclusive resources and environments, Neal will also be responsible for the determination of program needs, formulation of corresponding action plans, and engagement with faculty and staff to provide student success and support program activities and services. 

Neal has served as Post-Doctoral Fellow in Student Affairs at USI since 2019. She also serves on the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council; Africana Studies Committee; Student Affairs Recognition and Awards Committee; Student Affairs Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council; and Employee Outreach and Engagement Committee. Neal taught as an Instructor for the USI College of Nursing and Health Professions UNIV course in 2020. 

Prior to her work at USI, Neal served in several research-based roles at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from USI; a master’s degree in education policy organization and leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and a doctorate in education policy organization and leadership (concentration in sociology of education and higher education) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.